Suzuki Ertiga-based crossover slated for end-2019 reveal

The second-gen Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has got off to a good start in India. Buyers have taken keenly to the seven-seat MPV’s space, practicality and sensible pricing. And in the coming months, as reported, the Ertiga is set to receive a new diesel engine and there’s also a premium, six-seat version in the works. However, the MPV will spawn even more versions in the future. A leaked internal document from Suzuki Indonesia has revealed plans for a crossover based on the Ertiga. The new model is slated to be revealed in the latter part of 2019.

This new derivative based on the Ertiga is expected to share its body panels with the standard model but will get embellishments to give it a beefier look. The Ertiga crossover will likely come with chunky front and rear bumpers and additional body cladding. Different design and, perhaps, even larger alloy wheels could be part of the package as well.

While it would be slightly different in looks, the Ertiga crossover is expected to feature the same engine-gearbox options as the standard Ertiga. In India, the Ertiga is available with a 90hp diesel engine with a manual transmission and a 105hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine offered with manual and automatic gearbox options. It is not yet known if the Ertiga crossover will come to India. MPVs are very popular in Indonesia and there’s a ready market for derivatives of the body type. Indian buyers might not take as readily to a beefier MPV.